Category Archives: reading

Lucid Virtual Super Book Blast

Posted on May 15, 2013 | 4 Comments

Today is the Super Book Blast day for the debut novel, Lucid, by Natalie Roers. Please join in and follow along by clicking on the book tour banner. Ms. Roers is awarding a person who comments a $10 gift card to Amazon.com or BN.com.

Being hailed by critics as an intelligent new voice in young adult fiction, Roers’ debut novel tells the anything but ordinary, coming of age story of a small town, teen aged, misfit named Travis Hunter.

Disfigured at birth and ostracized at school, Travis dreams of acceptance and secretly yearns for the affection of a beautiful young woman named Corrine. When a mysterious doctor promises to help Travis through something called lucid dreaming, Travis suddenly finds himself ushered into a secret society called “The Lucid”, a collection of social outcasts like himself, who have created their own world inside of dreams.

When Travis discovers he is able to bring Corrine into these dreams, he gets more than he ever bargained for and soon finds himself learning the secrets of love and life in a fantastic unconscious world.

An instant classic, Lucid is a timeless story of self-acceptance with a fresh paranormal twist.

Excerpt from Lucid, by Natalie Roers

Corrine’s breathing quickened and she pushed against my chest to break the hold.

Not wanting to let go, I grabbed at her waist again, but she stopped me.

“What did you do that for?” I asked, my voice low and raspy. Even I couldn’t tell if I was asking why she kissed me or why she had stopped.

Corrine stepped back even further and looked down at her legs. That’s when I saw it. The shin of her left leg was starting to fade.

“Travis, I don’t know you,” she said softly. “If this is real, though? If it’s really real, like you say it is? I want to meet you. Do you understand me? I want you to come and find me as soon as you wake up.”

The light around us changed. It was sunset. Amazing reds, golds, and purples, streaked across the sky.

REVIEW SOUND BYTES

“Roers’ debut novel heralds the arrival of an intelligent, heartfelt voice in the world of young adult fiction. The rich characters, emotional complexity, and confident prose are matched only by the landscape of dreams that Roers sets them against… a landscape brought vividly to life by the author’s seemingly boundless imagination. This is a novel that respects its readers as much as its characters, and that’s a beautiful rarity.”
~ Mike Flanagan, Filmmaker, Absentia and Oculus

“Natalie Roers’ debut novel is both riveting and relevant. More than a paranormal/fantasy/thriller, this is a complex tale that cuts to the very of heart of issues facing young adults today. Well sculptured characters and powerful imagery propel Roers’ fascinating narrative.”
~ Jason Tinney (Award-winning freelance journalist, musician, actor and the author of the story collection Bluebird.)

“Lucid is an interesting story and a fun read.”
~ Amy Carol Reeves, author of Ripper and Renegade

“Natalie Roers’ voice is amazingly confident for a first novelist. Her journalist’s eye for human detail draws you in, and makes you care about the people who populate the LUCID world. The more I got to know them, both awake and asleep in the world of lucid dreaming, the more time I wanted to spend in their world.”
~ Jeff Howard, writer for Film District and Focus Features.

AUTHOR INFORMATION

Natalie Roers is a veteran writer, voice artist, and on-air personality. A journalist by trade, Lucid is her first work of fiction. She is busy at work on her second novel and hopes to raise money and social awareness for worthy causes with each book she writes. Natalie plans to donate a portion of every sale of this book to her favorite anti-bullying organizations. She lives with her husband Cory, and son Austin, in Columbia, South Carolina.

LINKS

This month only, Lucid is on sale for only $4.99 this month.

Here’s the link to buy on Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/Natalie-Roers/e/B00CQCCJ0O/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1368395305&sr=8-1

Here’s Barnes and Noble- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1115281192?ean=2940016700366

Websites

jointhelucid.com

http://natasha-r.com/writer/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/natalie.roers?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/jointhelucid?fref=ts

Blog

http://jointhelucid.com/blog/

Goodreads

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16214486-lucid

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Posted in Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Contests Anytime, reading

Tagged Lucid book tour, lucid dreaming, Natalie Roers, paranormal fantasy, ya literature young adult fiction

Chinese Heritage Tour Celebrating Asian-Pacific Islander Month

Posted on May 14, 2013 | 2 Comments

I’m happy to be a part of the Chinese Heritage Tale Tour, featuring Raggedy Chan and Nine Tale Fox by Camille Picott. Camille Picott is a fifth-generation Chinese American. She writes science fiction and fantasy books with Asian characters and/or Asian settings. Camille grew up reading speculative fiction stories largely devoid of Asian characters and culture. This, coupled with a passion for her heritage, is the reason she strives to bring some aspect of Eastern myth, legend, culture, and ethnicity to all of her writings.

May is Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and one way we celebrate our cultures is to share stories and folktales. Raggedy Chan and Nine Tail Fox are two short stories, perfect for sharing with middle grade readers.

Review of Nine Tail Fox

When Emma meets with discrimination in school because of her skin color and eyes, she turns to Auntie for comfort. Auntie tells Emma a story of the Nine Tail Fox, named Ainu, who used her power to defeat Chih Yu, an evil monster.

In this short story, readers learn a lesson of Truth and perseverance, set in the traditional style of storytelling with animals as characters. Chih Yu appears to be one thing, but when Ainu tricks him into taking off his mask, the other animals can see him for what he truly is, a demon who thrives on hatred. This story is based on the attitudes of prejudice that prevailed against the Chinese in 1800s San Francisco. In an entrancing story, young people learn to look below the surface, and not judge anyone by their appearance.

This is a book my granddaughter, who loves anime, would enjoy.

Review of Raggedy Chan

In this tale, young Emma doesn’t have a doll that represents her heritage. The red-haired Raggedy Ann is a far cry from who she is, so her Auntie brings her a hand sewn, black haired Raggedy Chan. Raggedy Chan sets out on an adventure to save her homeland, Kunlun. The author masterfully blends characters from Chinese mythology with American tall tales to weave a story of cultures coming together yet remaining distinct in their own traditions. Chapters switch between Emma and Auntie sharing a day together with Raggedy Chan on her adventures. This story will be a delight for children everywhere.

Giveaway

Camille Picott is offering an autographed Raggedy Chan bookmark to every commenter; a Chinese Heritage Tale illustration signed by the author and illustrator to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour, and a grand prize of a Limited Edition Raggedy Chan Doll to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. A choice of a Raggedy Chan doll or signed Chinese Heritage Tale print will be awarded to a randomly drawn host. (ALL ITEMS US ONLY) If you follow the tour and comment on each stop, you’ll have more chances to win.

Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt One Nine-Tail Fox:

Ainu’s eyes fell on the small bronze-colored island. She blinked, frowning. Was it her imagination, or did it just move? That was ridiculous. Islands didn’t move.

Except this one did. It rose, a bald dome arching up toward the crooked moon. The twin peninsulas rose up on either side—except those strips of land weren’t peninsulas. They were arms. Two powerful hands crested out of the water, whipping up the sea. The dome emerged fully, revealing an enormous head topped with curving black horns. Black eyes bright with hatred looked straight at them. A broad, bronze-scaled body stood waist-deep in water, about one hundred yards from the steamship.

“Nine-Tails,” the beast whispered, sea foam dripping between his teeth. He spoke the words with hunger. “Nine-Tails.”

Chih Yu. He was bigger than she had imagined. He stood taller than any tree she’d ever seen; not even the stories made him out to be this big. Fear welded Ainu’s feet to the freighter deck. Staring up at the monster, unable to move, she did the only thing she could: she screamed.

Chih Yu dove into the water, driving up a huge wave before him as he charged. The sailors, roused from slumber, cried, “Tidal wave!”

“Get off the ship,” Papa bellowed. “Now!”

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Camille Picott is a fifth-generation Chinese American. She writes science fiction and fantasy books with Asian characters and/or Asian settings. Camille grew up reading speculative fiction stories largely devoid of Asian characters and culture. This, coupled with a passion for her heritage, is the reason she strives to bring some aspect of Eastern myth, legend, culture, and ethnicity to all of her writings.

Website and blog: http://www.camillepicott.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camille.picott

Twitter: https://twitter.com/camillepicott or @camillepicott

You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/camillepicott

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/camillepicott

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Posted in Author Interview, reading

Tagged asian pacific islander month, Camille Picott, Chinese heritage month, Chinese mythology, folk tales, Nine Tail Fox, Raggedy Chan

Untellable Book Reviews

Posted on May 13, 2013 | Leave a comment

Untellable is on a book review tour this week, and I’m giving away any backlist book to a commenter.

This week is also my granddaughter’s birthday. If you mention her initials, CM, in a comment and you win, I’ll give you TWO books!

Here are the upcoming dates and venues.

May 13:  Reviewing Shelf
May 14:  Brenda Maxfield’s Blog
May 15:  Musings From An Addicted Reader
May 16:  Long and Short Reviews
May 17:  Books in the Hall

Untellable will continue on tour through June 10. Here are those stops.

May 20:  Book Bling Blog
May 27:  My Devotional Thoughts
May 27: Review  All in One Place
June 3:  Queen of All She Reads
June 10:  Cocktails and Books
June 10: Review  Kaisy Daisy’s Corner

If you missed last week’s tour, and you want to comment to win a new book, here are the excerpt stops.

May 6:  Andi’s Young Adult Books
May 7:  Christine Young Romance Writer
May 8:  Tinasbookreviews
May 9:  Welcome to My World of Dreams
May 10:  Lily Pond Reads

Happy reading!

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Posted in Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Contests, reading, Writing

Tagged suzanne lilly, Untellable, YA fiction, YA romance, Young-adult fiction

Untellable Excerpt Book Blog Tour

Posted on May 7, 2013 | Leave a comment

In my newest book, Untellable, Aspen Dwyer must keep her dark past a secret. Her secret could kill her future. This very same secret puts the man she loves in mortal danger, and she must choose to tell everything or lose everything.

You can read excerpts from this novel at five different blog stops this week! Here are the whens and the wheres and the fabulous people who are hosting me:

May 6:  Andi’s Young Adult Books
May 7:  Christine Young Romance Writer
May 8:  Tinasbookreviews
May 9:  Welcome to My World of Dreams
May 10:  Lily Pond Reads

Have fun reading the excerpts! One commenter will win a copy of any book from my backlist of novels and short stories. I’ll see you on the blogs!

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Posted in Blog Tours, Contests Anytime, reading

Tagged blog tour, novel excerpts, Shades of the Future, suzanne lilly, Untellable

The Odd Job Squad by Author Karl Fields Guest Post

Posted on April 23, 2013 | 10 Comments

Yesterday, I did a short review of The Odd Job Squad, by Karl Fields, a book I thoroughly enjoyed. Today, Karl is here to tell us a bit about his book. In addition, one commenter from each blog tour stop will win a box of “Pinks,” which are pink fortune cookies that Ander, the main character has a fondness for. One $25 Amazon gift card will be given to one random commenter at the end of the tour.

Take it away, Karl!

Sometimes, the best way to get even is to get Odd.

So, here’s the deal: it’s your first day of middle school, you’re dressed in your new back-to-school gear and loaded down with all your back-to-school supplies. You don’t know where anything is and the halls are full of new faces. All you want is to make it to your next class on time, when someone who doesn’t even know you decides it would be funny to trip you.

Bam! All your stuff goes flying, you hit the floor and rip a hole in the knee of your new pants. Now what? Well, he’s bigger than you, probably in eighth grade, and besides, the school has a no-tolerance policy when it comes to fighting, so that’s out. You could tell a teacher, but do you really want to be labeled a tattletale on your first day?

If you happen to go to San Francisco’s Marina Middle School, you email the Odd Job Squad, four students who specialize in making things right by evening the score. For instance, after Mike Burns gave someone an atomic wedgie in front of all the cheerleaders, the Odd Job Squad fooled Mike into entering a girls P.E. class wearing just his underwear. When Stephanie Cooper spread a pack of lies about another girl, the Odd Jobbers tricked Steph into writing a post on the school website admitting how fake she was.

And the best part? The Odd Job Squad does it all anonymously. They take requests from fellow students, think up the schemes and carry them out, completely undercover. Until someone learns their secret and threatens to tell the world, unless…

It is so on.

Excerpt from The Odd Job Squad by Karl Fields

Greg rolled his eyes and went back to his game. No sign of Christian. We made our way out of the gym, and the second the doors closed behind us, I asked Joe, “What was that about?”

“I don’t know. I guess I thought it would be funny.”

“Next time, stick to the script, okay?”

We’d left Shooter outside the library while the three of us were taking care of the Drive Thru. Since she played on the basketball team, I thought it was best to keep her away from the gym; too easy for her to run into a teammate who might remember her being the scene when Greg’s jersey went missing. Joe and I trekked back to the library, and found Shooter where we’d left her, kickstanding against the wall near to the water fountain. Christian showed up just behind us.

Maybe it was the way she played with the strings on her hoodie – the same blue Golden State Warriors one she’d worn for years, only now the sleeves were cut off at the elbows – but she seemed to be somewhere else, just like the day before at the guesthouse.

“Hey,” I said.

She looked up with a start. “Oh. Hey Ander, did you –”

I shook my head. “We ran into a little problem.”

Joe was about to say something when Christian cut him off. “Lookie, lookie.” He reached into his backpack and pulled out just enough enough scarlet and gold material for us to see “Bilski” printed across the back.

“No way.”

About Karl Fields

Karl Fields is a writer of fiction for teens and young adults. His other interests include jazz, golf and collecting flash drives, the more unusual the better. He was an army brat and by the seventh grade, he had attended six different schools on three continents. His first book, The Odd Job Squad, is about the exploits of three eighth graders who operate an anonymous revenge club at their school. He recommends that you not attempt the stunts portrayed in this book. His second, Instant Preplay, is about a boy who discovers that his DVR records shows before they air. He recommends that you get one of those if you can.

Links

www.karlfields.com

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/The-Odd-Job-Squad-ebook/dp/B00560R9BC

BN – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-odd-job-squad-karl-fields/1103800835?ean=9781463537890

Kobo – http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Odd-Job-Squad/book-qHs3VJyBxEmMs0UaGNlx8g/page1.html?s=uUC_07B_Hk-5_N1qzhxLUA&r=1

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Posted in Author Interview, reading

Tagged bullies, bullying, Karl Fields, middle grade books, middle grade fiction, Odd Job Squad

MG Good Reads: The Odd Job Squad

Posted on April 22, 2013 | Leave a comment

Have you been bullied? Is someone threatening you at school? If you have been treated unjustly, call the Odd Job Squad. They’ll balance the scales for you, and no one will ever know who did it or how they accomplished it.

The premise is original, and readers of all ages will identify with the social jockeying of middle school. The Odd Job Squad, operated by an anonymous team, takes retribution on bullies in a top secret way. Yet, when the leader of the Odd Job Squad becomes a target in his own game, he begins to question himself.

In the last chapters of the book, he finds himself racing around downtown San Francisco, trying to win tickets to a boy band concert. A boy band he would never go see. Getting tickets for a girl he detests. He realizes the world is not always black and white, an eye for an eye doesn’t always equal justice, and sometimes your life goes in a different direction than you ever envisioned.

Karl Fields has captured the voice, thoughts, and emotions of tweens in this novel. It’s a fun read, and one I plan to share with my 5th grade class.

Come back tomorrow for a guest post by Karl Fields, and an excerpt from his new book, The Odd Job Squad.

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Posted in Author Interview, Book Reviews, reading

Tagged bullying, Karl Fields, middle school issues, The Odd Job Squad

Maya Gold Creates Magic with her New Novel, Spellbinding

Posted on April 1, 2013 | 2 Comments

Author Maya Gold has created a spellbinding tale for young adults with this story of a teen caught between her present life at Ipswich High School and past memories of a life in Salem, Massachusetts during the witch hunting mania. Abigail Silva thinks she is the invisible girl on campus. She has nothing special that people remember about her. But when she finds out she has special powers, and begins practicing with them, she learns that they have unintended consequences. She gains the attention of a boy she’s liked since grade-school, and in the process gains the attention of his girlfriend, a classic bully. But the boy she really wants to get together with is someone she meets in a Salem, Massachusetts coffee-house. For reasons unknown to Abigail, powerful entities want to keep them apart. Can their love overcome their dark history and the evil forces that threaten to change who Abigail is meant to be? This book is so well written, and so expertly paced, that I read it in one sitting.

When I find a book that I enjoy this much, I typically buy a few copies for our school library. This book is appropriate for readers age 12 and up and I would rate it G. There’s no bad language, and nothing spicier than a kiss. As a teacher, I’d feel comfortable recommending it to students.

Scholastic Inc. provided the uncorrected proof of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Posted in Book Reviews, reading

Tagged Maya Gold, Salem Massachusetts, Salem Witch Trials, Scholastic Inc., Spellbinding

Release Day for Untellable, by Suzanne Lilly

Posted on February 25, 2013 | Leave a comment

Today is the day! So many of you have been waiting for my second Honey Creek book, and it’s available now. UNTELLABLE is a romantic suspense and a tad more edgy than SHADES OF THE FUTURE.

Here is what UNTELLABLE is about:

Aspen Dwyer, recently emancipated from foster care, is searching for a place to hide from a past with secrets too dark to share. Honey Creek, Ohio, presents itself as the best place to start a new life and stay undercover. There she meets Colton Moraine, a man with strong family ties and an even stronger sense of loyalty. His boisterous, loving family welcomes Aspen with warmth she hasn’t felt in years. She’s surprised at how quickly and deeply she falls for Colton. When a dangerous criminal comes to Honey Creek, intent on his revenge against her, Aspen must choose between two options. Should she stay and risk her life and the rejection of the people she’s grown to love? Or should she run again, and leave behind any chance of a happy future?

Read an excerpt here:

Elise tapped her water glass with a spoon, making a ringing sound and pausing the conversation. “I have an announcement to make.” She held up her glass as if to make a toast. Everyone else followed her lead and raised their glasses of sweet tea.

“What’s your wonderful news?” Sandra asked.

“I, Elise Moraine, was assigned today, the big job with a capital B and a capital J.”

An appreciative murmur circled round the table.

“The big job? Congratulations. What’s it about?” Linda asked.

“This job is to report on the parole of one Richard Hickam, in the state penitentiary.”

I choked on a piece of ice. Sandra gasped and slammed her glass back down on the table, sloshing sweet tea onto the tablecloth. “The penitentiary? No daughter of mine is going to a prison to get a news story!”

Jerry reached his hand up and touched her arm. “Sandra, please. Let’s hear what else she has to say.”

Sandra crossed her arms, turned her face, and shot dagger eyes in Elise’s direction.

My whole body stiffened in anticipation. I imagined myself in a time warp, frozen in place with everyone moving and talking around me. To hear the name Richard Hickam at this table, my supposed safe place, was worse than anything I’d anticipated.

Elise opened her mouth once then snapped it shut. She shook her head and said, “That’s it. That’s the announcement. This is a huge job. I can do the interview by video conference. It’s simply to ask him what his experiences were and what his plans are.”

I could tell you what his plans are. No need to interview him for that.

“Do y’all know who Richard Hickam is?” She looked around the table at everyone’s upset expressions.

I stared at my plate, for once allowing my hair to fall forward and partially cover my face. I prayed no one would make the connection to me. I couldn’t stand it if Colton knew my father was a violent criminal.

Sandra stood up. “I won’t have it. It’s too dangerous for you to go into an interview with some man who’s been locked up for God only knows what.”

“Murder.” Elise spoke softly. “He murdered his wife in front of his fourteen-year-old daughter. His lawyer tried to get rid of the charges of murder, saying it was a crime of passion. The daughter’s testimony actually put him away.”

Here are some links to get a sample or buy a copy:

Turquoise Morning Press It’s 30% off the cover price if you buy it here, direct from the publisher.

Amazon

Smashwords

Barnes and Noble:

Suzanne Lilly Amazon Author page where you may purchase other books and stories I’ve written.

Happy reading!

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Posted in Blog Tours, reading, Writing

Tagged romantic suspense, suzanne lilly, Untellable, Young-adult fiction

Book Tour for Drawn to You by Janel Rodriguez

Posted on February 19, 2013 | 10 Comments

Drawn to You by Janel Rodriguez is a new book in the Arts-Angels series. It’s received all five star reviews. I’m happy to host Janel Rodriguez today with Goddess Fish book tours. There will be prizes! Janel will be awarding Winner’s Choice of a $25 gift card to iTunes (music) or, Capezio (dance), or Utrecht (art supplies) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. You know what that means, right? Follow Janel’s blog stops and comment to increase your chances of winning.

Rock Your Destiny! Gina Santiago is a thirteen-year-old “Nuyorican” with rock star dreams, so when she’s accepted into the prestigious New York Academy of Arts and Talents for art instead of music, she’s crushed. To make matters worse, the student body at the Upper East Side school is divided into “schollies” (students on scholarship, like her) and “dollies” (rich kids with “dollars”). But Gina discovers that there is one thing that brings schollies and dollies-and dancers, singers, actors, artists, and musicians-together: music! Maybe she can make her dreams come true after all….

Excerpt from Chapter 6

That Friday morning, I met Michiko at the lockers. “Hi—” I began.

“Watch your back,” Michiko broke in, pulling me closer to the wall. “Today is Rookie Day.”

“What’s that?”

Michiko looked apologetic. “The day when all the new kids get a special ‘welcome’ by the upperclassmen.”

“Dare I ask how?”

Michiko sighed. “…Usually it’s something like being sprayed with silly string or pelted by eggs. At least, that’s the tradition.”

“Tradition?” I echoed. “Even in a school like NYAAT? But wait a minute… I’m not a seventh-grader. I’m a transfer student. Does that still make me a rookie?”

“Well,” Michiko began, “you do look kind of mature for an eighth-grader …. Still, you’ll probably be safe. Unless there’s someone who knows you’re new and for some reason wants to get you.”

I groaned. Great.

Michiko led me away from the lockers. “And then there’s always the ‘Rookie Assassin’ to watch out for. If he ends up coming back again this year.”

“The who?

Michiko’s tone was completely serious. “Last year someone dressed up like a ninja and attacked the new kids.”

My eyes widened. “Attacked? How?”

“He leaves marks on his victims. You know, tags them with paint and stuff. Last year he spray-painted a big silver ‘N’ –for ninja, I guess—on people. On their hair, their backpacks, their butts, even their faces.”

“He graffitied people? And no one caught him…?” Dread prickled down my back. “Well, he’d better not try to get me.” I adjusted my knapsack straps on my shoulders. “Or he’ll be one sorry little ninja.”

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Like her main character, Gina Santiago, Janel is a Nuyorican who attended a Manhattan high school of the arts as an art major.

Unlike Gina, she isn’t very good at guitar and doesn’t have a rock band to call her own.

Truth be told, she never dreamed of becoming a guitarist. Instead, from the time she was a tween she dreamed of becoming a published author of a book series. And since you’re reading this, you can see that her dream has come true!

Her first hint of an idea for the Arts-Angels series began way back when she received a pendant of St. Michael the Archangel for her sixteenth birthday.

She lives with her twin sister, Jennifer (who got a pendant of St. Joan of Arc that same birthday but hasn’t written any books about it), in New York City.

Website: http://www.theartsangels.com

Blog: http://janelrodriguezferrer.wordpress.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JanelRodriguezFerrer.

E-mail: janelrodriguezferrer (at) theartsangels (dot) com.

LINKS TO PURCHASE THE BOOK: